A pre-purchase property inspection is exactly what it sounds like – a chance to properly assess and inspect a property before it’s bought. It can help to ensure that everything is checked over, identifying any potential issues and the overall value of the property for resale. Ideally, a pre-purchase inspection follows a clear checklist to ensure no stone is left unturned.
According to a survey conducted by St George Bank, common problems that are discovered after purchasing include issues with plumbing, discovered cracks in the walls or floors, and bouts of mould, which generally indicates problems with ventilation or plumbing. The survey found that 55% of Australian home buyers did not discover hidden problems with the property until after they had moved in.
Why pre purchase property inspection are important for buyers
When viewing a property, it’s easy to get caught up in envisioning yourself in the property. Rose-tinted glasses firmly on, it’s normal to get swept up in the ‘perfect’ property. However, even the ‘perfect’ property can come with faults – which is why it’s vital to diligently follow a pre-purchase property inspection checklist.
The goal of a pre-purchase inspection is to find out as much as possible about the property before committing to an offer.
Personal inspections
When you view a property, use the following checklist as part of your personal inspection:
Electricity
- Turn on and off all switches to check if they work.
- Examine the power box/switchboard to check the condition of the fuses and the wiring within — there should not be any signs of damage like broken switches or degraded wires.
- Check if energy-saving lighting is used in the property.
Plumbing
- Turn on taps – if it takes a long time for hot water to come through, there may be an issue with the water heater.
- Make sure water drains away properly in sinks — slow draining may be a sign of clogged pipes.
- Look under sinks and examine piping for any signs of rust or corrosion.
- Flush toilets to ensure that they have a working cistern.
- Check for signs of dampness or water damage in the bathroom.
Doors, windows, cabinets
- Open and close all doors and windows to make sure they are aligned with frames.
- Test locks on doors to check that they are in working condition.
- Open cabinets and drawers to check inside for signs of damage.
Walls, flooring, ceiling
- Inspect interior and exterior walls of the property for signs of wear or damage like peeling paint, cracks, or unnatural bulges in the wall.
- Check the underside of carpets for signs of rotting or hidden floor damage.
- Check for looseness or possible rotting in wooden flooring.
- Examine the edges of walls, flooring, and ceiling for signs of mould growth — this could potentially point to poor ventilation in the home.
- Look for water stains on the ceiling and walls.
Roof
- Look at the roof from outside the home to check for any sagging or sustained damage in the form of cracked tiles or shingles.
- Inspect the gutters and drain pipes to determine condition.
Outdoors
- Fences should be intact and in good condition. Push lightly on fences to check how stable they are.
- Assess the state of garden or outdoor areas for overgrowth or unwanted vegetation that may be difficult to remove from the property.
Write down, if possible take photos and videos, and document any issues you come across. These issues should be raised to your conveyancer or solicitor. A conveyancer can potentially negotiate these issues to be fixed by the vendor and include these rectifications as special conditions on the contract of sale.
Building & pest inspection
Aside from the functional and aesthetic aspects of the property, the structural condition of the property will also need to be assessed. This will require the expertise of a qualified building inspector who will conduct the necessary checks and provide a detailed report on their findings.
Building inspections cover the parts of the property’s condition that cannot be identified at first glance, such as the structural integrity of the building, the alignment of walls, and potential faults in the building foundation — all of which are major defects.
A pest inspection is also usually carried out in conjunction with a building inspection. This will check for damage to the property due to an insect infestation like termites and wood borers.
These pre-purchase property inspections help buyers get a full picture of what they’ll be getting as part of a property purchase. By doing this, buyers can find the right property that meets their expectations and the necessary inspection standards.
Entry Conveyancing has teams of conveyancers and property solicitors across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne to assist buyers with a comprehensive property inspection process and a smooth settlement after.
